Miley Cyrus has opened up about her Vanity Fair photoshoot in 2008 that sparked so much controversy at the time. When the shoot took place, Cyrus was just 15 years old as she posed with only a white sheet to cover her up.
Reflecting on the uproar that followed in a recent episode of her 'Used To Be Young' series on TikTok, the 30-year-old spoke about how much she enjoyed doing the shoot. Discussing the criticism she faced at the time, the singer said: "Everybody knows the controversy of the photo, but they don’t really know the behind-the-scenes, which is always much more meaningful."
She went on to reveal her family was on set with her, with even her younger sister Noah Cyrus getting involved by taking the photos. "My little sister Noah was sitting on Annie’s lap and actually pushing the button of the camera taking the pictures.
"My family was on set and this was the first time I ever wore red lipstick." As well as the photo of Cyrus draped in a sheet, photographer Annie Leibovitz also snapped a picture of her posing with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
Cyrus added how her association with Disney Channel was the main reason why her makeup artist encouraged her to wear red lipstick for the shoot. She revealed: "Pati Dubroff, who did my makeup, thought that that would be another element that would divide me from Hannah Montana."
Going into more detail about the backlash triggered by the photoshoot, Cyrus added: "This image of me is a complete opposite of the bubble gum pop star that I had been known for being, and that’s what was so upsetting.
"But, really, really brilliant choices looking back now from those people." In the wake of the shoot, Cyrus issued an apology back in 2008.
In a statement at the time, she said: "I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be ‘artistic,’ and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen, and I apologise to my fans, who I care so deeply about."
But 10 years later, she took back her apology. In a post on X (Twitter) back in 2018, the Wrecking Ball singer shared the cover of a New York Post story about the photoshoot, writing: "I’M NOT SORRY…F*** YOU #10yearsago."
The singer's new TikTok series 'Used To Be Young' sees her delve into her past and chat about important moments in her career. It comes in tandem with her new song, also called 'Used To Be Young'.
In a post on Instagram, the former Disney star spoke about the meaning behind her new track. "These lyrics were written almost 2 years ago at the beginning of my ESV. It was at a time I felt misunderstood," she said.
"I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you. The time has arrived to release a song that I could perfect forever. Although my work is done, this song will continue to write itself everyday. The fact it remains unfinished is a part of its beauty. That is my life at this moment ….. unfinished yet complete. Sincerely, Miley."
